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Rubbish Dumper Nabbed Near Transfer Station

A Latrobe resident has been fined after being caught dumping waste near the gate of the Traralgon transfer station while it was closed.

By news@gippsland - 8th July 2005 - Back to News

The dumping, which occurred in full view of transfer station staff, was the most recent in a number of similar incidents outside transfer stations reported to Local Laws over the past few months.

Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Bruce Lougheed said that illegal rubbish dumping is of increasing concern.

"Dumping is illegal, whether it be garbage, household waste, recyclables, asbestos, garden refuse or abandoned vehicles; and no leniency will be shown to anyone found dumping rubbish of any kind, anywhere. The fact that in this recent case it was dumped outside a transfer station does not make it any less an offence," Cr Lougheed said.

"Dumping rubbish outside the transfer stations directly increases the cost of operating these facilities resulting in a higher financial burden on ratepayers", Cr Lougheed said.

Illegally dumped rubbish is defined under the Environment Protection Act 1970 as litter. Offenders are liable to prosecution and face fines of up to $6000 in addition to paying for clean-up costs. The dumping of industrial waste can attract even more severe penalties, with fines of up to $240,000 being imposed under the Act.

Latrobe City's Acting Manager Local Laws, Jill Hanley, said that areas surrounding transfer stations are being monitored closely by Local Laws Officers and facility operators. This is in addition to random checks being undertaken in bushland and forest areas," Ms Hanley said.

"Members of the community should keep an eye out for anyone dumping rubbish. If a person sees any suspicious behaviour, they can telephone Local Laws at Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700, or call the EPA's Litter Report line on 1800 352 555 (available 24 hours) and a report form will be mailed to them to fill out," Ms Hanley said.

Latrobe City’s Waste Services Coordinator, Michael Sterling, said that belief that some held, that transfer station fees were too high, was not an excuse for dumping.

"Fees are set to cover the costs of operating the facilities and for the proper disposal of waste to landfill. Costs to all councils have increased in recent years as a result of stricter requirements by the Environment Protection Authority for the rehabilitation of landfill sites, and higher levies paid.

"The cost of creating waste in Latrobe, across Australia, and in fact the world, is likely to continue to rise. It’s a grim warning that we as communities have to change attitudes towards waste. We have to recycle everything we can and minimise what we send to landfill," Mr Sterling said.

Mr Sterling said that operating hours of the transfer stations are clearly posted at each transfer station, have been advertised in local papers and are also available on the Latrobe City website and in the Latrobe City A-Z Guide of Council Services.

"Residents need to make sure they allocate enough time to get to the transfer station and unload before the official closing times. Dumping rubbish at the gate when arriving out of hours will not be tolerated, and offenders will be fined," he said.

"Residents should also remember that many items such as white goods, scrap steel, recyclable plastics, paper, cardboard, car batteries and domestic quantities of used motor oil may be deposited free of charge. Sorting the load will save valuable resources, and save those going to the transfer stations money," Mr Sterling added."

The Morwell Transfer Station in Porters Road, Morwell is open 8am to 12 noon 7 days per week, (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday).

The Moe Transfer Station in Haunted Hills Road, Newborough is open 1pm to 5pm 7 days per week, (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday).

The Traralgon Transfer Station in Depot Road, Traralgon is open 1pm to 5pm 7 days per week, (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday).

The Yinnar Transfer Station in Whitelaws Track, Yinnar South is open 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday).

Media Enquiries:

Cr. Bruce Lougheed, Mayor, Latrobe City

tel. 0429 172 237

Cr. Darrell White, Deputy Mayor, Latrobe City

tel. 0417 377 645

Paul Buckley, Chief Executive Officer,

tel. 5128 5413 or 0418 512 997

Jeremy Bein, Public Relations and Communications Officer,

tel. 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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